Those present at Tuesday night’s packed AGM were shown some of the initial designs which will result in a superb facility for domestic cricket as well as meeting the technical requirements needed to host international matches.

The feasibility designs foresee a large café & bar/bistro on the ground floor with high quality executive suites and corporate facilities on the first floor. The second floor will host a new media centre along with tiered seating, a roof top garden and bar facilities.

Following a highly competitive tender process, Leading Environmental Design Architects based in Burnham on Sea, in association with Hoare Lea and Jubb Consulting Engineering Ltd, have commenced work on the detailed design of the facility with the intention to submit the project for planning approval this summer.

With plans now set to develop apace, it is expected that the major phase of construction will begin during the latter part of the 2014 season with the majority of the build to be completed by the start of the 2015 campaign.

Chief Executive, Guy Lavender is delighted with progress on the project: “This is a very exciting and important moment in the Club’s history. We are determined to create a facility that provides a fantastic pavilion from which our members and supporters can enjoy all forms of the game.”

“In particular this means high quality, covered, raised seating behind the bowlers arm and an excellent range of catering and beverage facilities. We will hold a number of open evenings during the season to give members the opportunity to review, comment and influence the design of the new building.”

He added: “Our business plan is progressing very well; we are fully committed to funding the development phase and will have an opportunity to review the numbers before committing to the full construction programme. We have no intention of putting the Club at financial risk and I am completely confident that we have a low risk financial plan.”